Residents in Cave Spring will no longer pay a separate fire protection fee on their utility bills after city officials voted to eliminate the charge following a recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling.
The City Council approved removing the $18 fee Tuesday after consulting with its attorney about an October court decision involving a similar charge in Chatham County.
The ruling found that Chatham County’s fire protection fee was an illegal property tax because it was not based on property values, as required by state law.
Cave Spring’s fee helped pay for fire protection and emergency response services, bringing in about $123,000 each year. The charge was increased from $17 to $18 in August as part of broader utility rate adjustments.
City Manager Stephen Walker said the city must now find another way to replace the lost revenue while considering the impact on residents.
Cave Spring joins other Georgia communities, including Summerville, that have dropped similar fees following the court ruling.
City leaders plan to hear from residents during a public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Cave Spring City Hall, 10 Georgia Ave. The meeting will focus on the financial impact of eliminating the fee and possible ways to make up the difference.
Officials say community feedback will help guide decisions about how the city moves forward.
